Best VPNs for Android

We rounded up the best VPNs for Android based on pricing, practicality, security, and the ability to watch streaming content abroad.

Sara J. Nguyen, Author

Steph Trejos, Editor

Last updated Aug 9, 2023

We may receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Best Overall

On NordVPN's website

Loads of servers for multiple connection options
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
From $3.19/mo
Limited-time deal on 2-year plan
Too many confusing plans

Best for Multiple Devices

On IPVanish's website

Unlimited devices for each plan
Works with popular streaming services like Netflix
Kill switch feature not available on iOS

Best for Affordable Privacy

On Private Internet Access's website

Fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra

Have you ever used a public Wi-Fi network with your Android? If so, you'll need a virtual private network (VPN) to make your connection secure and prevent hackers from intercepting your data. VPNs also provide additional benefits like protecting your online privacy and helping you access geo-restricted streaming services. But what are the best VPNs available for Android phones?

NordVPN is hard to beat as the best virtual private network (VPN) for Android. It provides great overall value with fast internet speeds, security features that efficiently hide your data, and an easy-to-use Android app.

IPVanish also made the list for allowing unlimited connected devices, a truly standout quality for a VPN. Finally, Private Internet Access was a close runner-up and won us over with an affordable subscription without sacrificing privacy.

In this article

The best VPNs for Android
NordVPN: Best for overall value
IPVanish: Best for multiple devices
Private Internet Access: Best for affordable privacy
VPNs that didn’t make the cut
Best VPNs for Android FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Android
How we tested the best VPNs for Android

The best VPNs for Android

NordVPN: Best overall
IPVanish: Best for multiple devices
Private Internet Access: Best for affordable privacy

Top 3 VPN services for Android compared

VPN	NordVPN Best Overall	IPVanish	Private Internet Access
Starting price	$3.19/mo	Starts at $3.33/mo	Starts at $2.03/mo
Free version	No — comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee	No — comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial, no data limit	No — comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Streaming support	Yes — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more	Yes — Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+	Yes — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more
Learn more	See NordVPN Pricing	See IPVanish Pricing	See PIA Pricing

Prices as of 02/16/2023.

NordVPN: Best for overall value

Best Overall

On NordVPN's website

Loads of servers for multiple connection options
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
From $3.19/mo
Limited-time deal on 2-year plan
Too many confusing plans

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is best for people who want a VPN to do everything right with minimal fuss. It provides fast internet connections, doesn't leak your data, unblocks international streaming content, and can still fit a budget.

What we liked

NordVPN has all the security features you expect from a VPN, including AES-256 bit encryption, split tunneling, kill switches, and a no-log policy. The Android app is easy to use, and you don't have to navigate away from the homepage to find recent connections or quickly connect to a server.

While NordVPN is a bit more expensive than other VPNs, it does come with some additional benefits even if you're using the low-tier Standard plan. For example, all plans include a tracker and ad blocker along with malware protection.

To top it all off, we didn't find any major issues with NordVPN while testing its speed, checking for WebRTC and DNS leaks, and connecting to Netflix abroad.

What we didn’t like

NordVPN is budget-friendly, with subscriptions starting at $3.99 per month. However, if you are only looking for a no-frills VPN without extra security features, then NordVPN is pricey compared to IPVanish ($3.33) and Private Internet Access ($2.03).

NordVPN specs

Price range	$3.19–$15.79/mo
Free version	No
Number of servers	5,000+ in 60 countries
Number of connected devices	6
VPN protocol	NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Read our NordVPN review

Prices as of 02/16/2023.

IPVanish: Best for unlimited devices

Best for Unlimited Devices

On IPVanish's website

Unlimited devices for each plan
Works with popular streaming services like Netflix
Kill switch feature not available on iOS

Who it’s best for

IPVanish is best for people who need an affordable VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections. IPVanish doesn't cap how many devices you can connect to one account, so it's easy for people in large households to protect their online privacy.

What we liked

Most VPN providers only allow you to connect five to 10 devices at a time. But IPVanish doesn't limit how many devices you can connect to an account. With an unlimited number of connected devices, this is a great option for large households looking to connect all of their devices to a secure VPN.

The Android app has a modern, dark-theme interface and is easy to use. We liked how it has the option to connect to the fastest available server, so you don't have to worry about facing unnecessary slow connection speeds. IPVanish also has the most numerous customer support options out of all the VPNs on this list. Its options include a call center, live chat, email, and a knowledge base.

What we didn’t like

IPVanish is based in the U.S., which is a Five Eyes Alliance member, a large international surveillance group. Back in 2016, IPVanish handed over log information on a user to the U.S. government, even though it claimed it had a no-logs policy.[1] IPVanish has since had its no-logs policy independently audited and verified (most recently in 2022).

IPVanish specs

Price range	$3.33–$11.99/mo
Free version	No
Number of servers	2,200+ servers in 75+ locations
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
VPN protocol	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Read our IPVanish review

Prices as of 02/16/2023.

Private Internet Access: Best for affordable privacy

Best for Affordable Privacy

On Private Internet Access's website

Fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra

Who it’s best for

Private Internet Access (PIA) is best for budget-minded people looking to gain online privacy at an affordable price. There's no need to sacrifice speed to protect your data with PIA.

What we liked

PIA does everything you want your VPN to do: be fast, protect your privacy, allow for watching streaming content abroad, and be affordable. Subscriptions start at $2.03/mo. None of the other VPNs on this list come close to beating that price. IPVanish comes closest with $3.33/mo. Thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try PIA risk-free.

The Android interface is easy to use and can quickly connect to servers. PIA doesn't share how many servers it has, but it does have servers in 84 countries and every U.S. state, which makes it easy to connect internationally. It also has all the essential security features of a VPN: There's a no-logs policy, it uses high-quality protocols, and our tests showed no data leaks.

What we didn’t like

PIA headquarters are located in Denver, Colorado, which raises some concerns since the U.S. is part of the Five Eyes Alliance. While PIA has done independent audits as recently as June 2022 to verify its no-logs policy, some people may prefer a VPN provider that may not face issues maintaining user privacy.

Private Internet Access specs

Price range	$2.03–$11.95/mo
Free version	No
Number of servers	Servers in 84 countries + all 50 U.S. states
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?	Yes
Torrenting support	Yes
Learn more	Read our PIA review

Prices as of 05/18/2023.

VPNs that didn’t make the cut

There are a lot of VPNs available on Android, but not all of them are of stellar quality. While there may be no such thing as the perfect VPN, some have some red flags that didn't meet our expectations. Here's why ExpressVPN and CyberGhost didn’t make the cut.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is popular, and there are some good reasons why. Lightway, the in-house VPN protocol, provides fast internet speeds. It can also access streaming content internationally and it passes all of our security tests.

However, we couldn't justify the high pricing, as its plans start at $8.32 per month. For comparison, the second-most expensive VPN on this list is NordVPN with plans starting at $3.99 per month — over half the price. If you are looking for a VPN to protect your Android, there are cheaper VPNs that still provide quality protection.

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost has one of the most affordable plans on the list and it passed all of our security tests. In 2022, it underwent an independent audit performed by Deloitte to verify its no-logs policy and it is based in Romania, a country with no data retention laws.

One of the biggest perks of using a VPN is the ability to access streaming content while abroad, and CyberGhost didn't meet our expectations. We've experienced difficulty connecting to streaming services. Netflix would often recognize the VPN use and block access. While we were eventually able to connect, the experience wasn't seamless.

Best VPNs for Android FAQs

What is the best free Android VPN?

The best free VPNs for Android include providers like Atlas VPN, PrivadoVPN, hide.me, TunnelBear, and Windscribe. However, always do your research before using a free VPN. These VPNs often make an income by logging your activity and selling it to outside organizations. Free VPNs also usually have fewer features than their paid counterparts, so it may be worth investing in a strong VPN service to ensure your protection.

Does Android have a built-in VPN?

Yes, Android does have a built-in VPN. However, it does require complex configuration and only supports protocols PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IPsec. Another potential drawback is that the built-in VPN is not available on some older versions of Android. You may prefer using beginner-friendly VPN apps if you don't have the IT knowledge to configure VPNs or want stronger protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN.

What devices can I use an Android VPN on?

You can use an Android VPN on mobile devices like Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, and any other Android-based devices. Many VPN providers make their services available to multiple devices, so it's possible your preferred Android VPN can also cover Windows devices, macOS, smart TVs, routers, and more.

How do I get a VPN on my Android?

You can get a VPN on your Android by downloading an app from the Google Play Store. Simply open the Play Store, search for a VPN, and select Install. Once the VPN app has been downloaded, you can usually get it set up and ready to go within minutes. Alternatively, you can set up a built-in VPN on Android, but this usually requires some IT knowledge to configure.

Can I use my Android VPN on other devices?

Yes, you can use your Android VPN on other devices. Many VPN providers can cover multiple types of devices made by Apple and Google. For example, NordVPN also works on iOS, PCs, Macs, gaming consoles, and more. You may want to choose a VPN provider with enough versatility to provide protection to all of your internet-connected devices.

Bottom line: The best VPNs for Android

NordVPN is the best overall VPN for Android devices due to its reliability, fast internet connection, excellent security features, and ability to unblock streaming services. However, if you are looking to connect more than five to 10 devices in your household, IPVanish may provide the best budget-friendly solution for you. Finally, Private Internet Access has the most affordable plan without sacrificing speed and privacy.

3 best VPNs for Android

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
NordVPN	$3.19/mo	Overall	See NordVPN Pricing Read our NordVPN review
IPVanish	Starts at $3.33/mo	Multiple devices	See IPVanish Pricing Read IPVanish review
Private Internet Access	Starts at $2.03/mo	Affordable privacy	See PIA Pricing Read PIA review

Prices as of 02/16/2023.

How we tested the best VPNs for Android

We evaluated Android VPNs by comparing features we considered essential for a good VPN. We primarily looked at and tested four factors:

Price: We prioritized VPNs offering affordable plans while providing great value.
Practicality: The VPNs were easy to set up and use for average Android users.
Unblocks streaming content: There were no issues accessing streaming services with geo-restrictions while using our top VPNs.
Protects your privacy: Top VPNs mask your IP address, provide leak protection, encrypt your information, and don't log your online activity.

Limited-time deal: 2 years of NordVPN with 68% off + 3 extra months

On NordVPN's website

Loads of servers for multiple connection options
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
From $3.19/mo
Limited-time deal on 2-year plan
Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Sara J. Nguyen

About the Author

Sara J. Nguyen is a freelance writer specializing in cybersecurity. She aims to help people protect their data while enjoying technology. She has written about online privacy and tech for over 5 years for several organizations. When she's not writing about the latest cybersecurity trends, you can find her on LinkedIn.